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Sankofa - Edith Faalong

I met people baba…They talked of things so fine.They talked of skyscrapers and fast carsand I remembered you grandpa: I remembered our holy villagewith the mud houses and thatch roofs we so treasured.The mud houses and thatch roofs we built with our hands.and the old broken bicycle in the corner that Uncle Thom was so proud of.

They talked with such excitement about the discoand I remembered the nights we sat around the firenot wanting to breath lest we miss a word of your awesome stories.They talked about the women who had faces like their palmsand clothes like skin.and I smiled in amusement because my mind galloped back tothe full moon nightswhen men drummed and children clapped andwomen stamped their feet and twirled aroundin smooth rhythm to timeless music.Full bosoms heaving, paying homage to music that transcendsgenerations and age.I remembered grandma and her friendslaughing toothlessly and trying without success to join the dance.

And yet they talked on…and it confused me.Because I didn’t come here to wine and dine, but to shine.I remember our debut with nostalgia.Grandpa, remember how we set off?With a dream in our hearts and a vision in our eyes.With your blessing on our heads and your advise in our ears.The taste of the millet porridge still on our tongues.But here I find so many ills vying for authority to pull me down.Yet my spirit laughs loud.The millet porridge may taste faint on my tongue,but I remember I came from strong stock.